I’ve had many nights where I toss and turn all night and my mind wouldn’t stop racing. I realized I need to pray before I go to bed for my rest because it brings a calmness to my mind. Because of this reason, I found many pre-written prayers and Scriptures I can pray before going to sleep for the night.
What are good prayers to pray before bed? It is good to pray Scriptures and pre-written prayers before bed. For example, you could pray Psalm 4:8, “In peace, I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord will keep me safe.”
When you are unsure of what to pray for good rest in the night, you can simply pray one or more of these pre-written prayers.
5 Prayers for Rest
You can either pray one of these 5 prayers before you sleep or to get inspiration from and then pray in your own words.
1. Prayer for Rest of Mind – Unknown Author
“Dear God, as I lay me down to sleep, relax the tension of my body; calm the restlessness of my mind; still the thoughts which worry and perplex me. Help me to rest myself and all my problems in your strong and loving arms. Let your Spirit speak to my mind and heart while I am asleep, so that, when I wake up in the morning, I may find that I have received in the night-time, light for my way; strength for my tasks; peace for my worries; forgiveness for my sins. Grant me sleep tonight, and tomorrow’s power to live.”
2. Prayer for Peace – Julia Palmer
“Dear Father in Heaven, here, safe with you, I drink in your peace. Help me to sift through the many experiences, feelings, and thoughts I have encountered today. I allow myself to rest, to wind down and to be still. Help me to surrender all I am to you, my fatigue, my concerns, my hopes, and fears. As I sleep tonight, I choose to hold your hand. I choose to live with you. I choose to believe, I choose to trust, I choose you always. Amen.”
3. Prayer Against Fear – Unknown Author
“The day is done; O God the Son, look down upon thy little one! O Light of Light, Keep me this night and shed round me, thy presence bright. I need not fear if thou art near; Thou art my Savior kind and dear.”
4. Prayer of Thanks – Jill Eisnaugle
“The times of glory give me hope, the times of strife teach me to cope. Thus, I am much stronger in turn, yet grounded, still, with much to learn. Now, I lay me down to rest. I thank the Lord; I’ve passed the test of yet another day on earth, grateful for its abundant worth. This day has been a special dream from morning ‘til the last moonbeam. Yet, should the coming dawn bring sorrow, I’ll rise, thankful I’ve reached tomorrow.”
5. Prayer Giving Up Burdens – Unknown
“Father, you know my worries and care for my troubles. So I give these heavy concerns to you. I lay these situations at your feet. The empty cross is a place of rest, where I can reflect upon your resurrection and the moment when love overcame. Thank you that your love in me can transform the landscape of my life. I walk with peace into the new day and put my hope in you. Nothing is outside of your redeeming love, might I rest now in the knowledge that you will light my path and guide my life. Amen.”
14 Scriptures to Pray for Rest
The Bible is filled with Scriptures about rest and we can pray them knowing we are speaking the Word of God and He hears our prayers.
1. 1 Peter 5:7
“Cast all your anxiety on him because He cares for you.”
2. Proverbs 3:24
“When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.”
3. Psalm 29:11
“The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace.”
4. Job 11:18
“Having hope will give you courage. You will be protected and will rest in safety.”
5. 2 Timothy 1:7
“For God’s not given me a spirit of fear,
But a spirit of love,
and of power, and a sound mind,
To live each day and glorify his name.”
6. Psalm 116:7
Return to your rest, my soul, for the LORD has been good to you.
7. Philippians 4:6-7
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
8. John 14:27
“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
9. Psalm 56:3
“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.”
10. Isaiah 26:3-4
“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord Himself, is the Rock eternal.”
11. Psalm 4:8
“In peace, I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, LORD, make me dwell in safety.”
12. Matthew 11:28-30
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
13. Psalm 23:1-6
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
14. Psalm 4 – A Night Prayer
“Answer me when I call,
God, who vindicates me.
You freed me from affliction;
be gracious to me and hear my prayer.
How long, exalted men, will my honor be insulted?
How long will you love what is worthless
and pursue a lie? Selah
Know that the Lord has set apart
the faithful for Himself;
the Lord will hear when I call to Him.
Be angry and do not sin;
on your bed, reflect in your heart and be still. Selah
Offer sacrifices in righteousness
and trust in the Lord.
Know that the Lord has set apart
the faithful for Himself;
the Lord will hear when I call to Him.
Be angry and do not sin;
on your bed, reflect in your heart and be still. Selah
Offer sacrifices in righteousness
and trust in the Lord.
Many are saying, “Who can show us anything good?”
Look on us with favor, Lord.
You have put more joy in my heart than
they have when their grain and new wine abound.
I will both lie down and sleep in peace,
for You alone, Lord, make me live in safety.”
You can call on the name of the Lord every night. He is listening and longs for you to speak to Him. You can ask Him to give you peace and to calm your mind before you sleep. He cares and loves you more than you know.
Because he bends down to listen,
Psalm 116:2
I will pray as long as I have breath!